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Ancient Remedies for Acne

Ancient Remedies for Acne

Natural acne remedies can offer a good alternative to more modern treatments. There are many alternative remedies to choose from, but few people realize how old some of these remedies actually are. A number of these treatments were used thousands of years ago by people of ancient cultures. Just like people today, they sought to cure the irritation caused by acne.

Olive Leaf

Olive leaves and olive leaf extracts were used in ancient Greece as a treatment for acne. According to the Acne Treatment 2020 website, olive leaf extract, when taken internally, "can help your liver eliminate harmful toxins, regulate hormones and kill molds that can cause acne from the inside." It can also help to eradicate acne bacteria when applied topically.

Licorice Root

The ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Chinese used licorice root for its healing properties. As stated by the Family Health Guide website, "Licorice root extract possesses natural anti-inflammatory agents that may soothe skin affected by acne."

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a traditional remedy used by Australian aboriginals to treat cuts, burns and other skin conditions. DocShop.com highlights a 1990 study by The Medical Journal of Australia that compared a tea tree oil solution with a modern benzoyl peroxide solution. It was found that the tea tree oil solution was slower to act upon acne, but over a longer time frame it was as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer side effects.

Green Tea

Green tea has been used as a medicinal remedy by the Chinese for over 4,000 years. Green tea extract contains antioxidants that help to protect the skin from the bacterial infections that can cause acne. The Acne Treatment 2020 website highlights a popular Asian remedy for acne, a mixture of green tea and honeysuckle known as "pimple tea."

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal system that originated in India. Ayurvedic acne treatments focus open diet as a way to rid the body of acne-causing toxins. DocShop.com relates the ayurvedic advice given by macrobiotic chef Christina Pirello. She states that acne sufferers should change their diet to one rich in vegetables, whole grains and beans.

Kampo

Kampo is a Japanese medical system based on the study of ancient Chinese medicines. Kampo medicine makes use of anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients, specifically those of an herbal nature. According to the Skin Care Reviews website, Kampo acne treatments feature herbs such as angelica root, licorice root, peony root and mint.

Kukui Nut

Kukui nut oil has been used as an acne remedy in Hawaii for the past few hundred years. The oil has a number of medicinal uses, largely due to its high nutrient content. The DocShop website states that kukui nut oil is easily absorbed and is "a good source of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids."

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Ancient Remedies for Acne
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